1235 —1235

1. The Rebbe’s Response to a Request for Blessings

This letter, number 1,235 in volume 5 of the holy letters of the Rebbe, is dated the third day of Marcheshvan, Tafshin Beit, from Brooklyn. The Rebbe opens with his customary greeting: peace and blessing. He acknowledges receiving the writer’s letter from the previous Wednesday and notes that, as is this person’s usual practice, he concludes his letter with a request for blessings for success.

The Rebbe addresses this pattern directly, pointing out that it has become something of a “holy custom” for the writer to always ask for success. However, he also observes that as soon as the writer crossed the border into Canada, he once again fell into a state of depression and negative thoughts.

2. Breaking Free from Depression

The Rebbe is quite direct in his guidance here. He reminds the recipient that he has already told him many times that both he and his wife need to make a decisive break with this state of moresh chayra—depression or melancholy. The Rebbe urges them to put an end to these negative feelings.

He acknowledges that sometimes it may seem there is no other choice but to feel this way. Yet, if one must experience such feelings, there is still a way to channel them productively.

3. Transforming Melancholy into Torah Diligence

The Rebbe references Torah Or, where it is explained that moresh chayra can be utilized positively—specifically by channeling it into diligence in Torah study. Instead of allowing depression to dominate one’s life, one can use those intense feelings as motivation to immerse oneself in learning Torah with greater consistency and focus.

This approach brings twofold benefit: first, it protects one’s physical health by avoiding depression over material matters; second, it provides spiritual sustenance through the positive impact of Torah study.

4. Awaiting Good News and Accepting Divine Service with Joy

The Rebbe expresses his hope for good news regarding both the health of the recipient and his wife. He adds that even if serving Hashem requires accepting the yoke—kabbalas ol—one should still take upon oneself to serve God with joy (simcha). The emphasis is on moving forward in divine service even if it means doing so out of obligation at first; eventually, this will lead to genuine happiness in serving Hashem.

5. Encouragement and Firm Guidance

The Rebbe concludes with a reflection on his approach: sometimes people need gentle encouragement to change their ways and leave behind negative habits. At other times, they require more direct words—a firm push to stop complaining (kvetching) and stop being stuck in moresh chayra. The message is clear: start serving Hashem with joy even if it does not feel natural at first; sometimes you simply have to act despite your mood or understanding.

This letter blends compassion with firmness, urging the recipient not only to seek blessings but also to take practical steps toward emotional health and joyful divine service.